Voting right to white card holders sparks objection

 

Rakhine state MPs strongly denounced the decision which was influenced by President Thein Sein, as some 600,000 card holders across the country aged above 18 would be able to take part in the referendum. Some 500,000 are living in Rakhine State, many of them being Bengalis. 

In an exclusive interview with Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) on Tuesday, Htay Oo, vice chairman of ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), insisted that the decision 2 is legitimate.

 “The parliament has to obey the law. The laws say white card holders have the right to vote and the parliament did not deny the white card holders are not citizens. Indeed, they were denied citizenship for several reasons. One is they face difficulties obtaining national registration cards (NRC). The government thus issued white cards in some remote areas where its administrative power cannot reach. I think the parliament did the right thing,” said Htay Oo.

He added the white card holders could be granted citizenship eventually. 

Ye Htut, the presidential spokesperson, supported that the white card holders are allowed to vote according to the Constitution. He also insisted that the sovereignty remains intact as their numbers are small and they are not allowed to win parliamentary seats or become vice presidents. 

“This cannot change the results of the referendum,” he said.

Many of the opponents attacked the USDP, saying this move is to maintain their power ahead of the election later this year.

“The government is checking white card holders in Rakhine State to grant them voting rights. If this is to allow the ruling party to win the next election, it will be very dangerous for the country and its citizens. The parliament should reconsider,” said Arakan National Party central executive committee member Aye Thar Aung.

He added that according to the 1982 citizenship law, people who want to be citizens must apply for citizenship in accordance with rules and regulations. 

“On the back of white cards, it says: “The white card shall not be a registration card to designate a citizen.” So we cannot say the white card holders will be citizens. It just allows them to stay,” he continued. 

MP Dr Nyo Nyo Thin from Bahan No 2 Constituency also attacked Htay Oo, saying the white card holders are not citizens by laws and only citizens have voting rights.

 “Granting white card holders voting rights is beyond the limit, parliament must reconsider it,” said Ye Aung from the Former Political Prisoners Group.

In an announcement on February 5, the National Democratic Front (NDF) said the decision is “an insult to legislative power and the citizens’ fate and their choices”.

It said the government is obliged to issue national registration cards to white card holders who are ethnic minorities. However, some white card holders do not apply for the national registration cards for some reasons. 

 

 

Voices from the opponents 

 

This can affect our sovereignty. We see difficulty in addressing the Rakhine issue. The president pointed out that voting rights should be granted as these were allowed in the previous elections. But we, the ethnic minorities, do not really like this decision. 

Marn Aung Pyae Soe, vice chairman, Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party

 

Can the Union parliament make a unilateral decision like this? It is an important issue for all people. Which is more important between winning an election and the country’s future?

Dr Nyo Nyo Thin, Yangon Region parliament member

 

Those holding white cards are non-citizens and they should not be allowed to vote. Only citizens should be able to choose the candidates who will govern the country. White card means non-citizen. 

Win Kyaing, general secretary, Myanmar Fisheries Federation

 

The ruling party intentionally did this to win the upcoming elections. Its MPs need to review the reason why they have won elections. It is unfair as the parliament does not know the real desire of people. Similar moves can tarnish our sovereignty. It’s a political game to maintain power, by empowering Bengalis from the western part of the country. Yet, nationalities from the eastern part are stronger as all hold national registration cards. 

Sai Laik, spokesperson, Shan National League for Democracy

 

I question the government’s purpose. It’s unfair. Though this may not stir religious conflicts, some acts of the government and parliament seem to be dishonest. I strongly condemn this decision.

Thein Aung Myint, Movement of Consecutive Democracy Force

 

 

Why would Myanmar do something that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world? It is not a human right and it’s against the citizenship law. I am against it. Those holding white cards are not our citizens. They illegally entered our country. If a house does not have a fence, a buffalo or a cow or a thief can enter it. Accepting all who enter is too lawless. I want the country to develop but I don’t want the country and its nationality to disappear. Everyone who loves the country won’t make such a decision.

Magway Kyaungtaik Sayadaw U Parmaukkha